Mace tops out at Royal Shakespeare Theatre Stratford
Media
18/12/2008
The Mace team at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre commemorated a milestone on 4th December as the structure of the new theatre reached its highest point.
Considering the nature of the building and its clients, the ceremony was never going to be a small production. Over 1000 guests were invited to share the event including all those who have worked on the transformation of the theatre throughout the project, Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) members and staff and a number of local dignitaries. Speeches were given in the auditorium of the theatre by Rob Ewen, Sir Christopher Bland and Peter Wilson, project director for the transformation.
Following the speeches the VIP's were invited up to the roof of the new thrust stage auditorium. Other guests were able to witness the ceremony on the ground with the help of two large screens and a commentary from Simon Harper of the RSC. Chair of the transformation project, Susie Sainsbury, laid the final concrete on the roof with help from Mace project manager Tim Court. Dignitaries included the Mayor of Stratford upon Avon with press representation from the Guardian and local news stations and papers.
Director Rob Ewen said: "Working on such a prestigious project has given Mace a challenge we have relished. Today's ceremony is a major milestone and is testament to the world-class team the RSC has crafted to successfully deliver this complex project." Peter Wilson added: "Today is a celebration of all the hard work, exceptional skill and determination that has gone into the construction of the new theatre so far. We can now see the shape of our future home and the topping out ceremony is a major milestone in its construction. There's still a long way to go, but I'm pleased to say that the building is currently on schedule to open in 2010."
Watch a report on the topping out on www.bbc.co.uk:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/coventry_warwickshire/7765500.stm
